Palafer

Common Name: ferrous fumarate (oral iron)

How does Palafer work?

Iron supplements belong to a class of drugs known as anemia therapy. Iron is available for oral use (taken by mouth) in different salt forms - ferrous gluconate, ferrous sulfate, and ferrous fumarate. Iron is important for the production of red blood cells. It helps red blood cells to carry oxygen to the various parts of the body. When the body does not get enough oxygen due to lack of iron, symptoms such as tiredness, shortness of breath and learning problems may occur. This is a type of anemia called iron deficiency anemia. Iron preparations are used to treat this condition when sufficient iron is not available from the diet. It can also be used to supplement iron during times when the body needs extra, for example pregnancy, bleeding problems, burns, and certain stomach problems. Your doctor may choose to use this medication for other conditions not listed here. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, please ask your doctor.

How should I use Palafer?

It is important to understand that different types of iron preparations contain different amounts of elemental (pure) iron. For example, 300 mg of ferrous fumarate contains 100 mg of elemental iron (33% elemental iron). Ferrous gluconate contains 11.6% elemental iron, while ferrous sulfate contains 20% elemental iron. Ask your pharmacist for help when choosing the recommended amount of iron for your circumstances. To prevent deficiency, the recommended daily intake of iron for adults is 8 mg to 13 mg daily. An additional 5 mg daily is recommended in the second trimester of pregnancy, and an additional 10 mg per day is recommended in the third trimester. For adults who are deficient in iron, 50 mg to 100 mg elemental iron three times daily is the recommended intake. Iron is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach, with water or fruit juice (adults: full glass or 8 ounces; children: half glass or 4 ounces), about one hour before or two hours after meals. However, if stomach upset occurs, lower doses may be given to start with, and the iron can be taken after food. Children who are deficient in iron usually receive 3 mg to 6 mg per kilogram of body weight daily divided into three doses. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without talking to your doctor. It is very important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double-up on doses. It is very important that you have regular medical checks so that the doctor can follow your progress Store this medication away from children, as severe reactions including death have resulted from childhood ingestions. Note: Stools often become dark green or black when iron preparations are taken by mouth. This is harmless. However, in the rare instance that stools have a sticky consistency and/or red streaks (signs of blood) along with cramping, soreness, and sharp pains in the stomach, contact your health professional immediately.

What form(s) does Palafer come in?

Oral iron supplements are available in tablet, capsules, drops, and liquids. Nonmedicinal ingredients vary according to dosage form and manufacturer.

What should I NOT take with Palafer?

Oral iron preparations should not be taken by anyone with: an allergy to any of the ingredients conditions known as hemosiderosis or hemochromatosis (iron overload) hemolytic anemia, unless an iron-deficient state also exists an anemia other than iron deficiency anemia

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Palafer?

Stomach ulcers: People with stomach ulcers should be cautious when taking iron, as it could make their condition worse. Liver disease:The liver is one of the main storage sites for iron, and advanced chronic liver disease may result in excess storage of iron in the liver. Taking iron supplements may cause an iron overload in liver tissues, thereby damaging the liver more. Hemoglobinopathy: Iron should be used with caution by people who have disorders with their hemoglobin (hemoglobinopathy) or anemias others than those caused by iron deficiency. Alcohol Abuse: People who abuse alcohol are more likely to acquire liver disease. As mentioned above, people with liver disease need to be very cautious when taking iron supplements. Therefore, people who drink, or used to drink, large amounts of alcohol should be cautious while taking iron supplements. Blood transfusions (with high red blood cell iron content): The extra iron in blood transfusions increases the risk of iron overload. Caution should be used. Kidney infection: People with kidney infections may have higher levels of iron in the blood, which may increase the risk of side effects of iron supplementation. Iron should be used with caution by people who have an infection of the kidney. Porphyria cutaneous tarda: Porphyria cutaneous tarda is an acquired disorder, associated with estrogen and alcohol use, that affects liver enzymes responsible for breaking down components in the blood. Pregnancy: There are no adequate studies of this drug with pregnant women. It should be used during pregnancy only if expected benefits outweigh risks. Breast-feeding: Taking large amounts of an iron supplement while breast-feeding may be harmful to the mother or infant and should be avoided.